Lipizzaner Stallions to visit East Middleboro 4-H in July

MIDDLEBORO — The Original Herrmann's Royal Lipizzaner Stallions of Austria will be appearing in Middleboro next month for a fundraiser for local organizations.

Comment

southcoasttoday.com

Writer

Posted Jun. 21, 2012 at 11:27 AM

Posted Jun. 21, 2012 at 11:27 AM

» Social News

MIDDLEBORO — The Original Herrmann's Royal Lipizzaner Stallions of Austria will be appearing in Middleboro next month for a fundraiser for local organizations.

The Lipizzaner Stallions, founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg royal family of Austria are coming to Middleboro for three shows: Friday July 27 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, July 29 at 3 p.m. at the 4-H Grounds on Thompson Street (Rte. 105). Sponsorsing organizations are the Rotary Club of Middleboro, Middleboro Lions, the East Middleboro 4-H Club, and Future of Middleboro Trust (FOMT). Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children. Tickets are available at Maria's Cards & Gifts and Egger's Furniture on Center Street in downtown Middleboro. For more information or tickets, call 508-946-0152. For information on the Lipizzaners, visit the web site hlipizzans.com.

The Royal Lipizzaners are the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. The pride of the Hapsburg Empire, the Lipizzaner breed was first established by Archduke Charles at Lipizza (now part of Yugoslavia). Only a few hundred have ever existed at any one time. Indeed, it is a contemporary miracle of sorts that this precious bloodline is not extinct, having barely been saved by General George Patton from the Russian advance during World War II.

When the rider found himself surrounded in battle, he would give the signal and the stallion would leap high into the air, kicking out at the very top of the leap, about the height of a man's head. This maneuver is called the Capriole. Another move is called the Courbette. When advancing on the enemy, the stallion would rear up and leap forward like a kangaroo, fighting with his hooves and teeth as the rider fought with his sword. A maneuver called the Ballotade calls for the stallion to rise to his hind legs and strike out repeatedly with his forelegs.

In the Herrmann's Royal Lipizzaner Stallion perfomance the stallions do the same battle maneuvers they were trained for centuries ago. These stallions, with their great strength, intelligence and endurance will perform classical dressage; exquisite Pas de Trois; dramatic Airs Above the Ground — including such exceptionally difficult measures as the Courbette, the Capriole and the Levade and conclude the spectacular performance with a complex military Quadrille.

Gabriella Herrmann presents audiences what she calls "the art of the horse world, a symphony in white". They are also known as the "ballet dancers of the horse world". Ms. Herrmann believes horses must be trained with kindness, patience and love. She invites everyone to come out and meet the stallions up close.